Kennebec: Trails, Water and History

Kennebec offers a variety of ways to shape your trip: trails through garden and woodland landscapes, activities on the water, and historic sites. Augusta brings together several of these themes; the Kennebec River Rail Trail also offers opportunities between Gardiner and Augusta. For planning, it may help to first consider whether you’d like to spend most of your time being active outdoors, on the water, or at historic sites.

Gardens and Trails

The Viles Arboretum in Augusta is a free botanical garden spanning 224 acres. Its six-mile trail network winds through fields, forests, wetlands, and gardens. The site also includes landscaped gardens, orchards, wooded areas, research areas, and naturally occurring landscapes. Hiking trails, walking paths, and botanical gardens are free for everyone to access. Check the arboretum’s current visitor information before your visit.

The Bond Brook Recreation Area in Augusta is a 270-acre urban wilderness area. It has about six miles of singletrack trails and five miles of Nordic ski trails. These lengths refer to different types of trails, so the distinction matters if you’re planning around your preferred outdoor activity.

In Hallowell, Vaughan Woods has about three miles of hiking trails. By comparison, the Viles Arboretum trail network spans six miles. As a rough guide, the two options offer around three and six miles of trails, respectively; Vaughan Woods is the shorter of the two listed options.

The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers year-round opportunities for biking, running, walking, and cross-country skiing between Gardiner and Augusta. The named connection between the two towns and the choice of these four activities provide specific points to consider when planning your trip.

Water and River Landscapes

Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade, Kennebec County, has a state boat launch. Boats can be launched by hand or using a fixed ramp. This lets you plan based on the type of boat access you need.

Many visitors paddle on Hutchinson Pond to explore the shoreline and aquatic wildlife. The focus differs between these two water destinations: at Messalonskee Lake, the type of boat launch is specified; at Hutchinson Pond, the shoreline and wildlife are among the reasons to paddle.

Historic Sites and Culture

Fort Halifax Blockhouse is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest surviving wooden blockhouse in the country. It is located at the confluence of the Kennebec River and the Sebasticook River. Both the building’s historic significance and its location on two rivers are defining features of the site.

Old Fort Western in Augusta is also a National Historic Landmark on the Kennebec River. Visitors can tour a reconstructed fort that includes the original 1754 garrison building. In 1775, Old Fort Western served as the assembly point and starting point for Benedict Arnold’s march to Quebec. Here, the fort’s history and a specific historic event can be explored together.

Capitol Park is the earliest known intentionally designed public space in Maine; its layout was established in 1827. The park lies between the Maine State House and the Kennebec River. Its design history and location are specific points of reference for this public space.

The Colby College Museum of Art has locations on the Colby College campus and in downtown Waterville. If art is part of your trip planning, these campus and downtown locations provide two distinct points of reference for finding your way around Waterville.

Discover more destinations: Waterville, Augusta, Gardiner, Manchester, Hallowell, Franklin County, Washington County, Waldo County.

For the broader travel overview: Maine.